A rising star’s guide to Newmarket
‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ actor shares must-visit spots in her lively hometown
Growing up, actress Tenika Davis saw her small, cosy hometown of Newmarket, Ont., transform into a busy commuter hub, less than an hour’s drive from Toronto.
She appreciated the quietness she remembers — she says it fostered a sense of creativity that helped with her acting career — but she also loves that it now feels like an in-between town: lively and active, and close to other places to see.
Although she currently splits her time between L.A. and Toronto — the latter is where she filmed her latest project, Netflix’s new superhero drama “Jupiter’s Legacy” (now streaming) — she visits Newmarket to see friends. “I learned how to drive on the streets of Newmarket. I learned everything there. It’s always going to be my home space,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll go back just to get away from the craziness of my career and remember being in that atmosphere.”
Here, Davis shares some her must-visit spots:
(Both regional travel guidelines and access to specific places can change quickly; always check official updates before you go.)
For scratch-made treats
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Nutmeg Bakeshop (256 Main St. S., Newmarket)
To satisfy sugar cravings, Davis heads over to this charming bakery, which she says has some of the best chocolate croissants she’s ever tasted. The rotating menu specializes in simple (but pretty) baked goods — like tiered vanilla cakes with lemon curd and chocolate peanut
butter scones — made from scratch using seasonal ingredients. “I love going there because it feels like going into grandma’s kitchen,” Davis says.
For drinks with pals
Grey Goat Pub and Grill (74 Main St. S., Newmarket)
“Grey Goat is a staple in Newmarket. If you’ve lived here, at some point you’ve ended up drinking here,” Davis says of the pub, adding that she and her friends gravitated to the spot when they were younger. More than the local watering hole, it also hosts open-mic nights in non-pandemic times.
For outdoor socials
Fairy Lake Park (520 Water St., Newmarket)
Growing up, Davis considered Fairy Lake Park the place: If a friend said, “Hey, do you want to hang out?” it was assumed they’d be meeting at this serene spot. There are trails for walking or running, chess and checker tables, and ample picnic space, too. “It’s just a good place to go and do anything you want to do,” she says.
For hearty fare
The Crow’s Nest Pub (115 Prospect St., Newmarket)
Here, you can expect “the kind of food you want after a night of drinking,” Davis says of the British-style pub, which opened its doors in 1999. The actress loves their hearty cottage pie, but they serve other English classics, like bangers and mash and, naturally, fish and chips. There’s a vast array of draughts and bottled beers from North America and Europe, too.
For local stands and shops
Newmarket Farmers Market (Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket)
This seasonal farmers market, which runs on Saturdays from May to the end of October, is the quintessential Newmarket activity for Davis. The outdoor event brings in 40 local vendors on average, offering up baked goods, fresh produce and handmade crafts.
“It’s also near Main Street, so you can go into the little momand-pop shops (afterwards),” she says. “The area is stunning, and you can understand that you’re really helping out small businesses.”